S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia’s a proud and illustrious cricketing history of over 130 years and lay claim to a rivalry that transcends magnificence in the form of the legendary “battle of the blues” Over the years, the College has produced cricketers of national repute.
As we look in to the coming season one can expect a tantalizing performance from the “school by the sea” as the young cricketers strive to earn their place amongst their predecessors.
A recap on 2012
A spirited Thomian outfit under the captaincy of Chamodh Pathirana put up a fine performance to register six outright victories against Mahinda, Thurstan, Holy Cross, St. Aloysius, St. John’s Jaffna and Dharmapala MV Pannipitiya. They also had a successful outing in the Cricketing spectacle, the annual big match against the traditional rivals Royal College where they were able to pile up over three hundred runs in both innings.
Madushan takes the helm
The Thomians will be charging in to 2013 under the captaincy of 3rd year coloursman Madhushan Ravichandrakumar.Fondly known as “madu” by his team mates, he sports a calm and collected personality which fuels his strategic approach to the game. Madushan who is a veteran right arm leg-spinner carries a heavy responsibility in the Thomian bowling department.
Currently being the highest wicket taker in the team,Madushan is also reliable with the willow in hand, coming through for the Thomians on many occasions. He is a liberal captain and a “great team player” as his mates describe has great faith in the commitment and the level of dedication shown by his team and appears confidant in chewing down whatever obstacles that may be head.
Javed Bongso, one of the Thomians “go to” men in the batting department is a 3rd year colorsman and a reliable top order batsman who has currently accumulated 2 centuries and a personal best of 184 runs. Bongso is capable of pulling off feats with the willow at critical times and has proven his worth in many occasions and will be looking to replicate the best of his performances.
The Thomians harbor yet another game breaker and senior player in the form of Thilaksha Sumanasiri. A 2nd year coloursman and right arm off spinner Sumanasiri is a complete all-rounder who promises consistency in his respective departments. Having scored a century and two half centuries,Sumanasiri will be hoping to continue his trend of playing throughout the season.
The season so far
Having recorded two wins against St John’s college Jaffna and Mahinda college the Thomians suffered a minor setback when Richmond College Galle managed toupset in the Thomian’s trend in their second outing of the season inflicting their first defeat. Howeveron a positive note some outstanding performances could be seen. Especially those of the senior players who stepped up to prove their worth, as they will be called upon again as the “Big match” looms just around the corner.
P. Milton calls the shots
Having more than fifteen years of experience in the coaching trade P.Milton is no doubt a veteran in forging great players out of wayward young talents. He was introduced to cricket as a school boy at Devanada College Ambalangoda where he went on to represent his alma mater. Soon after, he was seen amongst the ranks of Singha sports club where he established himself as a formidable pace bowler.
Mr Milton lays claim to great foreign exposure. Namely being the former head coach of the Malaysian under-seventeen national squad and a prominent figure in the development of cricket in Malaysia. Before joining the coaching ranks of the “school by the sea” Mr Milton was involved in coaching Nalanda College, Thurstan College, and Dharmasoka who experienced a successful season under his guidance.
The Squad : Madushan Ravichandrakumar, Javed Bongso, Thilaksha Sumanasiri, Devin Jayasinghe, Ramith Gunaratne, Sanesh De mel, Sahan Wijesinghe, Helakamal Nanayakkara, Usman Ishak, Deelaka Herath, Nipuna Gamage, Ishan Kularatne, Akthad Cader, Dilendra Goonatilake.
